[Source: The New Nation]DHAKA, Aug 8, 2009: In protest against the construction of Tipaimukh dam across the river Borak in Monipur state of India, a 3-day Long March towards the dam will start today at 10.00 am from the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.

Jointly organised by Tipaimukh Dam Prevention Committee (TDPC) and Sylhet Division Development Action Council (SDDAC), the long march will be inaugurated by former chairman of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Prof Mozaffar Ahmed.

Leaders of different political parties and social organisatios, academicians, environment experts, students and people of different professions are expected to participate in the programme to press the Indian government to stop the construction of the dam.

Convener of TDPC and President of SDDAC Advocate Abed Raza told reporters that the route of the car-driven caravan would be Dhaka-Kulaura-Sylhet- Zakiganj-Tipaimukh in India.

He informed that the Committee would also hold street meetings at over 500 places at the route of Dhaka-Sylhet-Zakigonj and would reach Zakigonj upozila heaheadquarters on August 10 at about 2.00 pm.

He further informed that they would organise a mass gathering at Zakigonj. After the gathering they will march towards Tipaimukh Dam in Monipur state crossing the border, he said.

He informed that all preparations to implement the long march had been taken and he hoped that a large number of the people will participate in the programme.

'We informed the Indian High Commisssion in Dhaka to open the border of Zakigonj on August 10 for the marchers to implement the programme peacefully.' he said.